Veterinary Courses After 12th: Eligibility, Entrance Exams, Course Details, and Career as a Veterinary Doctor in India

Have you ever considered turning your passion for animals into a rewarding career? With increasing demand for veterinary professionals in India, now is a great time to explore opportunities in this field.

The Indian veterinary healthcare market is expected to reach USD 1,856.3 million by 2027, growing at a CAGR of over 7.70%. This shows a massive rise in demand for qualified veterinary professionals.

The Indian Animal Health Industry is currently valued at INR 7,000 Crore, with more than 50 companies currently operating in this space. This growth presents numerous career opportunities for aspiring veterinary professionals.

From government departments to private companies, there are numerous job roles for veterinary graduates and postgraduates.

If you have ever considered working in this field, now is the time to tap into the potential. If you are unsure about where to begin, this blog will help you understand how to become a veterinarian after the 12th with and without NEET.

How to Become a Veterinary Doctor After 12th

Veterinary science is the branch of medicine that deals with preventing, diagnosing, and treating animal diseases. As a veterinarian, you will examine animals, identify health issues, administer treatments, perform surgeries, and prescribe medications.

Your responsibilities include ensuring animals receive proper care, a balanced diet, and a stress-free environment to maintain their well-being. If you’re passionate about animals and wish to follow the veterinary doctor course details are outlined below:

Step 1: Complete 10+2 Education

To be eligible for admission into a veterinary college, you must complete your 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Most colleges require a minimum aggregate score between 50% and 60%.

Step 2: Take the entrance exam for Veterinary after 12th

You must appear for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), which is mandatory for admission to medical courses in India, including veterinary science. You must take NEET after completing 10+2 to be eligible for B.V.Sc. & A.H. admission. However, students with veterinary diplomas may apply to lateral entry programs, where NEET may not always be required.

Step 3: Pursue a Veterinary Doctor Course after 12th

After qualifying for NEET, you can enrol in a veterinary college for a Bachelor’s in Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry (B.V.Sc. & A.H.). This veterinary doctor course duration is 5.5 years, including one year of compulsory internship and covers subjects such as Veterinary Pathology, Animal Genetics and Breeding, Veterinary Medicine and more.

Step 4: Pursue Advanced Studies

Although not compulsory, you may pursue a postgraduate degree such as Master of Veterinary Science (M.V.Sc) or Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) to take on research-based jobs or more senior positions within the veterinary profession.

Step 5: Obtain a license to practise

Apply for a veterinary license in the state or region where you plan to practise. This may involve passing a qualifying examination and paying a registration fee. Licensing criteria can vary across states in India.

Step 6: Consider a specialisation

You can pursue additional certification courses if you want to specialise in any specific field, such as veterinary surgery, veterinary dentistry or even dermatology. These normally need some practical experience as a veterinary doctor before you can enrol.

Can I pursue Veterinary Courses After 12th Without NEET?

Yes. You can pursue a veterinary course after 12th but note that only specific diploma or alternate B.V.Sc. courses don't require NEET.  
Generally, you must clear the NEET exam for admission to a veterinary doctor course after the 12th. However, with rising competition, many find it challenging to secure a qualifying score. Here is a list of veterinary courses after 12th that do not require you to clear the NEET exam.

Veterinary Course Eligibility

To be eligible for Veterinary courses after 12th Science without NEET, you must complete your 10+2 with at least 50% aggregate marks in the Science stream (Physics, Chemistry and Biology) from a recognised board.

While some admissions are based on merit, certain programmes may require you to appear for entrance exams such as the All India Common Entrance Examination (AICEE), the All India Pre-Veterinary Test (AIPVT), the Agriculture and Medical Common Entrance Test (AP-EAMCET), and others.

Is it Possible to Pursue Veterinary Diploma Courses After 12th?

Yes. You can pursue veterinary diploma courses after 12th grade, after completing 10th and 12th grade. These programmes allow specialisation in veterinary science or animal husbandry (caring for and managing farm animals). Some of the best diploma veterinary courses are listed below:

• Diploma in Veterinary Science
• Diploma in Livestock and Veterinary Science
• Diploma in Veterinary Pharmacy
• Diploma in Dairy Technology
• Diploma in Veterinary Nursing
• Diploma in Animal Husbandry
• Diploma in Livestock Development

Please note: These diploma courses can be pursued without appearing for the NEET exam. While the majority of diploma programs require a Science background, a few short-term vocational courses in animal care may be accessible to Arts students.

Career Scope after Veterinary Course After 12th

Most people choose the career of a veterinarian after completing a BVSc degree. After your internship, you can work as a veterinary doctor or surgeon in the same facility.

Besides clinical roles, you can also access opportunities in teaching, research, or in the defence sector. You can be employed in different sectors such as agriculture, animal husbandry departments, poultry farms, veterinary hospitals, defence dog training centres, zoological parks, wildlife sanctuaries, research institutes, and animal breeding centres. Some of the common job profiles after graduation are as follows:

Veterinary Courses After 12th Salary

As a veterinary professional, your earnings can vary based on your role, experience, and workplace.

As a general veterinarian, you can earn anywhere between INR 10,000 and INR 80,000 per month, depending on your expertise. If you choose to run your own clinic, your income may range from INR 40 to INR 500 per patient, based on the type of treatment provided.

As an Assistant Professor, you can earn a monthly salary of around INR 30,000 to INR 60,000. If you specialise as an Animal Physiologist, you could earn approximately INR 4 LPA, while working as an Associate Veterinarian may bring in around INR 3 LPA.

Way Forward

Veterinary Science offers a fulfilling blend of purpose, passion, and potential. With flexible learning paths, diverse job opportunities, and strong industry demand, this field empowers you to build an impactful and future-ready career.

Whether you're aiming for clinical practice, research, or public service, veterinary education after 12th is no longer just an option; it’s a smart and meaningful career move!

FAQs

Q1. Veterinary course how many years?

A1: The Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry (B.V.Sc. & A.H.) is 5.5 years. The duration of other Veterinary courses, such as BVSc in Veterinary Pathology, BVSc in Veterinary Microbiology, and BVSc in Animal Nutrition, can range between 3 and 5 years.

Q2. Can we do Veterinary without NEET?

A2: Yes. It is possible to pursue veterinary studies without taking the NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) in India. These courses include BVSc in Veterinary Pathology, BVSc in Animal Nutrition, Diploma in Veterinary Nursing, Diploma in Animal Husbandry and others.

Q3. Is Veterinary harder than MBBS?

A3: The answer to this question is subjective, as both courses are rigorous academic programmes requiring significant dedication and knowledge. Moreover, they focus on different subjects and patient populations, which can influence the perceived difficulty for individual students.

Q4. Is Veterinary a good career?

A4: Yes. Veterinary Science is a promising career due to its high earning potential, especially with experience or specialisation. It offers a strong job outlook, with employment expected to grow by 19% between 2021 and 2031.

Q5. What is an animal doctor called?

A5: An animal doctor is called a veterinarian.